Santa Maria de Montgrony, Romanesque sanctuary and church in Gombrèn, Spain
Santa Maria de Montgrony is a church and sanctuary situated on a mountain near Gombrèn at about 1370 meters elevation, positioned against a rocky cliff face. The building stands at an isolated location that visitors reach via hiking trails or a paved forest track.
The sanctuary was built between 1650 and 1652, replacing an earlier site where Marian worship had been documented since 1400. A fire in 1892 destroyed the original statue, leading to its reconstruction and the restoration that shaped the site as it appears today.
The sanctuary draws pilgrims seeking connection with the Virgin Mary, whose presence shapes how visitors experience this mountain location. The statue represents motherhood and maternal care, making it a meaningful destination for families.
The location is best reached with proper footwear as the paths are hilly and sometimes steep, especially the stone stairs leading up. Renovated lodging facilities are available on-site, with hiking trails of varying difficulty to suit different fitness levels.
Local legend tells of a shepherd discovering the Virgin Mary statue by a fountain in 804, an event that sparked the establishment of this sanctuary. This story remains deeply rooted in regional tradition and continues to shape how visitors understand the site today.
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